 In the weeks that followed, Saban worked to fill his staff.The first hires came on January 9 with Kirby Smart hired from the Dolphins to serve as defensive coordinator; Kevin Steele from Florida State to serve as head defensive coach; and Lance Thompson from Central Florida to serve as linebackers coach.On January 11, Joe Pendry of the Houston Texans was hired to serve as an assistant head and linebackers coach.